The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a Zon-o-phone "Royal Grand". Now I love original condition as well as the next, and I only refinish things if absolutely necessary. But this machine has been "upgraded" so to speak. Someone along the line added a speedrite electric motor and evidently stripped the mahogany faux graining from the horn. You can see from the pics the color and cond. My question is whether to leave it in it's present condition, or repaint and regrain the horn as original. I have taught faux graining and marbleizing, but don't know if I should or could get the right finish on this horn....comments, questions, concerns? Thanks, Ed

You obviously have the skills to woodgrain the horn. I say to go for it! My only suggestion is to do a quick job. Original phono horns that are painted woodgrain were done quickly and do no have the quality of a dash from a classic car. It shouldn't look like the dash from a 1946 Chrysler. I can't tell from you photo but is the horn brass or steel? If you woodgrain, be sure to post some photos. Thanks, Jerry